What programming language is needed for using the Xbox SDK?

Dorkus McForkus · Jul 31, 2022

Hi. I have a question related to developing games for the Xbox. I'd like to know what programming language(s) is needed in order to use the SDK.

I've been wanting to write my game in a Lua engine, but im concerned I might not be able to add Xbox support.

:)

Lucas Lauer

I would not say any language, since the operational system of the console probably would not be 100% compatible with all languages. But I would say it is not only specific to C++ and C#. Maybe VB.NET or JavaScript could work too. While I have not found any official information on Microsoft or Xbox websites, I believe you could use any of the supported languages of the Universal Windows Platform above.

Lucas Lauer

Hello, Dorkus. Thanks for reaching out. I'm Lucas, an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user just like you. I'll be glad to help you out.

The Xbox system software (the Xbox OS) is written in C, C++ and C#. The Universal Windows Platform supports Windows app development using C++, C#, VB.NET, and XAML. So I'm pretty sure most Xbox games are also written on C++ or C#.

Feel free to ask back any questions, fellow developer.

Dorkus McForkus

Thanks for the reply! Got the answer I was expecting, but you did say "most". So does that mean there are possible work arounds to be able to theoretically use any language?

Internet Expert

You can sign up for the
Independent Developer Program for access to the SDKs to build Xbox One games.

MateusFontana

Strange, what language are you currently using on the system, normally this program works for all languages.

What programming language is needed for using the Xbox SDK?